California Telehealth Network moving forward
More than 900 health care facilities have indicated interest in joining the California Telehealth Network. The UC Office of the President's Health Sciences and Services division manages the network with the UC Davis Health System and a coalition of government agencies and others.
The network's original proposal called for connecting 319 health care facilities, but organizers hope to include more sites if current funding can support it. UC, with a statewide advisory council, is preparing a request for proposals for a telecommunications provider and planning to select the sites and begin connecting them early in 2009.
The network will connect rural health care facilities and teaching hospitals, emphasizing facilities in underserved areas and special communities such as American Indians, veterans and people with disabilities.
“The CTN will advance efforts toward Governor Schwarzenegger's long-term vision for statewide broadband connectivity,” said Dr. Cathryn Nation, UC associate vice president for health sciences.
The CTN is part of a $417 million federal rural telehealth initiative launched in November. The Federal Communications Commission awarded $22 million to the CTN, with additional funds from the California Emerging Technology Fund and UnitedHealth Group.
Information: www.caltelehealth.org